Jun 18, 2022; Denver, Colorado, USA; Colorado Avalanche center Andrew Cogliano (11) congratulates center Darren Helm (43) following his goal against the Tampa Bay Lightning during the second period in game two of the 2022 Stanley Cup Final at Ball Arena. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports
NHL: Stanley Cup Playoffs-Tampa Bay Lightning at Colorado Avalanche
With the Avalanche up 2 games to 0 in the series after taking care of business at home, they will look to continue their great play on the road, and there is no reason to believe they won’t.
Colorado has dominated the two-time defending Stanley cup champs with their speed, forechecking and defense. Everyone has stepped up for the Avalanche in this series including stars Nathan Mackinnon and Cale Makar, and other role players like Valeri Nichuskin, Artturi Lehkonen, and Mikko Rantanen.
This postseason Makar leads the team with 24 points, Rantanen is second with 22 points, and Nathan Mackinnon is third with 20 points. Nichuskin is a little further down with 13 points but has had some huge goals in the Stanley Cup Final so far, and a huge assist that led to the game winning goal for the Avalanche in game one.
I know the Lightning will do the best they can to come back in this series, but I don’t see the Avalanche slowing down anytime soon. I see the Avalanche winning this series on home ice in game five and dethroning the two-time defending Stanley Cup Champion Tampa Bay Lightning.
